Brown & Brown, Inc. is an American insurance brokerage firm headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is one of the largest independent insurance intermediaries in the United States, providing risk management solutions, insurance products, and services to businesses, governmental institutions, professional organizations, trade associations, and individuals.
As of 2023, Brown & Brown is ranked among the top 10 largest insurance brokerages globally by revenue.[4]
The company emphasizes a culture of integrity, innovation, superior capabilities and discipline.[5]
History
Brown & Brown was founded in 1939 as a small insurance agency in Daytona Beach, Florida, by J. Adrian Brown, partnering with his cousin Charles "Cov" Owen.[6] Originally named Brown & Owen, the firm quickly expanded its customer base in central Florida.[7] J. Adrian's son, J. Hyatt Brown, joined the agency in 1959, bought the company and became CEO in 1961, and played a key role in its growth and modernization.[8][6]
In 1980, Brown & Brown restructured to adopt a decentralized model, aiming to boost revenue and profit margins by giving more authority to local teams. This approach encouraged an entrepreneurial culture across the company.[9]
In 1983, the firm changed its name to Brown & Brown, Inc. to reflect its focus on national expansion.
In 1993, the company merged with Poe & Associates.[6] Also in 1993, the company went public, listing on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BRO.[10] The use of public stock for acquisitions enabled a deliberate expansion strategy focused on acquiring middle-market insurance brokers nationwide.[6]
J. Hyatt Brown retired as CEO in 2009, but remains with the company as chairman. He was succeeded as CEO by his son J. Powell Brown.[6] Subsequently, the company has pursued aggressive acquisition strategies and organic growth. It surpassed $1 billion in revenue in 2012.[6] It joined the S&P 500 index in 2021.[11]
In 2021, new headquarters were completed at Daytona Beach, Florida, featuring an 11-story building on 13 acres facing the Halifax River.[12]
Services
Brown & Brown operates through two major business segments:[6]
Retail: Offers property and casualty insurance and employee benefits products to commercial, public, and individual customers.
Arrowhead Intermediaries: A purpose-built platform with three distinct divisions, each serving the evolving needs of insurance carriers, brokers and customers worldwide:
Programs
Wholesale
Specialty divisions
The company serves customers in all 50 U.S. states and in select international markets.[13]
Acquisitions
Brown & Brown has grown significantly through strategic acquisitions. Notable acquisitions include:
Hays Companies (2018) – A major employee benefits and risk management firm based in Minneapolis.[14]
CoverHound and CyberPolicy (2021) – Digital platforms offering small business and personal lines insurance.[15]
Orchid Underwriters and CrossCover Insurance Services (2023) – Expanding the company's E&S (excess and surplus) capabilities.[16]
Global Risk Partners (GRP) (2022) – A major U.K.-based insurance intermediary, marking significant expansion into the European market.[17]
O’Leary Insurances (2021) - An a comprehensive insurance broking service based in Ireland. The acquisition marked Brown & Brown’s strategic entry into the EU market.[18]
McNamara Company (2024) - offering a range of insurance solutions for businesses, families, and individuals.[19]
Accession Risk Management Group, including Risk Strategies (2025) - a private American insurance brokerage and risk management advisor.[20] This acquisition expands Brown & Brown’s presence in property & casualty, employee benefits, and middle-market broker services.[20]
Ranked No. 7 of the World’s 10 Largest Insurance Brokers.[22]
Publications
Global Impact Report, published annually, and covers the ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) priorities of the company, including covering teammates, communities, environment, and governance.[23]
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US$4.81 billion (2024)